In Pinellas County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 6. The petition asks a judge to order assessment, stabilization and, if needed, treatment for someone who has lost control of their substance use.
Filing in Pinellas County
- Where to file: Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- County seat: Clearwater
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 6
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Pinellas County is part of Florida's Sixth Judicial Circuit, which serves Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Under the Sixth Circuit's Pinellas after-hours order, a Marchman Act petition filed after 4:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. on a workday, or any time on a weekend or holiday, is date/time stamped by the Clerk but not processed until the next working day.
Petitioners who file after hours are told they may contact law enforcement or call 911 if there is an emergency involving the person.
Sources
How the process works
- File the petition for involuntary treatment services with the clerk. Florida law bars a filing fee.
- The judge reviews it. In an emergency the court can issue an ex parte order for law enforcement to take the person to a licensed provider.
- Assessment within 72 hours for adults (longer if detox or medical care is needed).
- Hearing within 10 court working days. The person has a right to a lawyer.
- Treatment order of up to 90 days if the petition is granted, renewable for up to 90 more, with discharge planning at the end.
Details: how to file a Marchman Act · requirements · how long it lasts
Detox and treatment near Pinellas County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
RSP Detox - Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisReal Recovery Solutions Detox St. Pete
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxOperation PAR Inc – Therapeutic Community
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCuraSouth – Largo
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisFairwinds Treatment Center – Residential
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisA specialist can help you decide between voluntary treatment and a Marchman Act petition. Free and confidential, 24/7.
Call (866) 649-0814See the full Marchman Act guide, Marchman Act vs Baker Act and treatment in Pinellas County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Hillsborough County
- Marchman Act in Pasco County
- Marchman Act in Manatee County
- Marchman Act in Hernando County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Pinellas County?
Marchman Act petitions in Pinellas County are filed with Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Clearwater. Check the clerk's official page for current forms and hours.
Who can file a Marchman Act petition?
For an adult, a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person's substance abuse impairment and prior treatment history can file. For a minor, only a parent, legal guardian or service provider can file.
Does the person get a lawyer?
Yes. The person named in the petition has a right to a lawyer at every stage, and the court can appoint one through the office of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel. The person who files does not get a court-appointed lawyer.